My Top 10 Books of 2016

2016 was an excellent reading year for me. I read almost twice as much as usual (99 books!!!), discovered some great new authors, and some addictive new series! The problem with reading so many books in one year is, how do I pick my favorites? Choosing 5 was impossible this year. So, in no particular order, here are my top 10 reads of 2016.

This one really made an impression on me. So much so, that I’ve been even though there are so many books and so little time, I’ve been dying to read it again! Unfortunately, I let someone borrow my copy . . .

 

This book was so incredibly suspenseful that it redefined what ‘edge-of-my-seat’ meant for me. I literally got chest pains from the tension. It made enough of an impression on me that, even though the other book I tried by this author was completely not for me, I forgive her. Almost.

 

This one took me back to my roots of good old, high octane, super fast paced, action packed thrillers. So what if it’s completely unbelievable? And what if some people think I’m a little silly for being a 30-something woman reading books like this? It’s Jurassic Park with dragons. Enough said.

 

In 2016 I discovered – and then devoured – this series. All 5 books are so freakin good that I spend 5 minutes every day sending fast writing wishes to the author so she puts out more soon.

 

 

The plot is pure genius. I’m rather jealous that I didn’t think of it. Maybe I don’t entirely remember all the details after all this time, but it earned a spot on my keep shelf. No easy feat.

 

 

This book started my 2016 love affair with Young Adult books. It made me gasp. It made me cry. It made me think. It kept me guessing and almost blindsided me. Very well done.

 

 

Another series with a brutal writer who holds no punches! It introduced me to an incredibly damaged female lead – and a new theory on an old conspiracy that simply amazed me with both its brilliance and simplicity. Can’t wait to read more by this author.

 

A debut Young Adult book that left me begging for more. The imagery, the voice, the characters . . . sigh. It made me both laugh and cry.

 

 

This was the best anthology I’ve read in a looong time. Every story was good. It inspired me to write more and to write better. It inspired me to think deeper, plot stronger, be more devious and creative. Maybe not my favorite as a reader, but as a writer, it’s true love.

 

 

I had to include this one because I ended up reading the entire 16 book series and a couple of the companion books. Okay, and maybe I watched a couple of seasons of the TV show, too. Even though it went on entirely too long, Sara Shepard did something entirely right when creating this series. Completely addictive!